Attachment device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an attachment device for keys which includes a key holding body by which the head and shaft of a key can be secured and a joining mechanism configured to join with the joining mechanism on like attachment devices. The present invention can be configured into a variety of shapes and receive print thus providing the opportunity for the attachment device to act as a promotional vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an improved attachment.

More particularly the present invention relates to improvements inorganising articles such as keys in an orderly fashion.

BACKGROUND ART

Many objects such as keys, Allen keys, and so forth are kept together onone device. In the case of keys, key rings are usually employed to keepkeys in a bundle. Unfortunately these devices can easily become tangled.Further, it can be difficult to locate a particular key in a bunch ofkeys quickly due to the similarity in types and colours.

Another problem with traditional key rings is that they often have asplit ring configuration. This configuration is difficult to add newkeys to, or remove from, which can be frustrating for the owner of thekeys.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoingproblems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided anattachment device for keys of the type having a key head rigidly andcoplanarly connected to a key shaft, comprising: a key holding bodyadapted to receive and hold the head of a key so that the head of thekey is substantially covered by the key holding body and the key shaftprotrudes from the key holding body, a joining means adapted to allowinterconnection of two or more key holding bodies, wherein the joiningmeans is provided on the key holding body distal from the key shaft andthe key head and comprises a complementary lug and recess arrangementsuch that at least two key holding bodies can be pivotally andreversibly joined together by a push fit arrangement of the lug from thefirst key holding body being push fit into the recess of a second keyholding body, so that in use the second key holding body can be pivotedat least 90 degrees away from the direction of the first key shaftextending from the first key holding body to allow that portion of thefirst key holding body surrounding the first key head to be gripped toallow the key to be turned.

The key holding body may come in a number of forms, but its mainfunction is to ensure there is a means by which the key head and shaftcan be held.

An embodiment of the present invention whereby the attachment device isOEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing), the key holding body may be inthe form of a key head integrally moulded around a key shaft.

However in other embodiments of the present invention the key holdingbody may be able to receive and hold the existing head of a key.

For example, the key holding body may include two halves hingedlyattached with an aperture in the hinged area through which the shaft ofthe key can pass when the key holding body is in an open position. Thekey holding body could then be closed to then hold the head of the keyand providing a means by which the shaft of the key can be secured andreadily used.

Other embodiments of key holding bodies may include two separate halveswhich can be clamped over the top of an existing key head. There may beother embodiments which may achieve the same function through differentmeans.

In one embodiment the key holding body may comprise a receiving portionand a lid and the receiving portion may attach to the lid by snap fitarrangement, although other configurations such as a bayonet clip, screwand thread combination, magnet and so forth can be used.

The joining means may come in a number of forms, but in preferredembodiments the joining means is in the form of a complementary lug andrecess arrangement as described above which enables the attachmentdevices to be easily pushed and joined together or readily pulled apart.

The joining means may also be in the form of a releasable adhesive orperhaps even a hook and pile fastening such as Velcro™.

While the attachment device can be made of any suitable material, inpreferred embodiments it is made of a plastics material which is capableof slight deformations which can aid in the holding together of the keyholding body and the attachment and release of the joining means.

Plastics material also allows the attachment devices to be colour codedmaking for ready selection of the appropriate key.

The applicant has recognised that it is preferable that keys joinedtogether can move in relation to each other to enable one key to bereadily selected from the others. Thus, in the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention the joining means is substantially circular, thusallowing the attachment devices joined together to rotate with respectto each other around the joining means—thus enabling one key to beeasily swung out of the bunch.

It is possible that certain designs of the present invention may requireadditional assistance in securing the head of the key in relation to thekey holding body. Thus, there may be within the key holding body packingmaterial, foam, adhesive or the like which can prevent the key headand/or shaft moving relative to the key holding body.

The attachment device may come in a number of shapes, although it isenvisaged that a portion of the attachment device closest to the keyshaft is a similar size and shape (may be slightly larger) than a keyhead.

If the present invention is OEM manufactured, the user of the key willstill need a gripping portion to operate the key shaft. If the presentinvention is to be used to enclose existing key heads, then this needsto be accommodated within the attachment device.

In some embodiments of the present invention the attachment device maybe custom made. This means that the shape of the device may varyaccordingly to the customer for whom it is intended or the organisationproviding the attachment device. Thus, the present invention can be usedas a promotional vehicle.

As an example of how the present invention can be used as a promotionalvehicle, the attachment device could take the form of a character,cartoon outlines, vehicle outlines and so forth.

Each attachment device may take on separate characteristics which have acommon theme so that when attachment devices are placed together thattheme is realised. For example, attachment devices may each be adifferent component of a hamburger which when they are together makes afull hamburger.

It is preferable that the material from which the attachment device ismade can receive print, which again affords the opportunity to use thepresent invention as a promotional vehicle.

As it can be seen, there is provided a ready means by which keys can bejoined directly together in a tidy arrangement which stills allows keysto be selected.

Some embodiments may have an aperture through the attachment device sothat a string, chain or some other length of material (even a splitring) can be placed there through.

In some embodiments there may be provided a mounting rack into which theattachment device can be placed to allow a ready storage if the keys arenot in use.

There may be provided an adapter on the attachment device, just in casethere is a key which may not fit within the attachment device but canstill be attached to the main bunch of keys associated with attachmentdevices.

It should be appreciated that the present invention has a number ofadvantages over the prior art.

Firstly, there is provided a ready way by which keys can be attached toeach other without the problems associated with having keys on devicessuch as split rings.

However, the main advantage is that in use, because the joining meansand pivot point is located at a distant position from the key head itallows for much easier operation of an individual key within a key setas an individual key can easily be selected and pivoted out of the set,and there is a large surface area which provides a comfortable andergonomically sound grip for holding and turning the key.

Another advantage is that the keys are readily accessible and will notbecome tangled as in the case of prior art key rings.

Also, the keys can be readily selected as they are connected together inan ordered way and may be colour coded.

In embodiments that are not OEM manufactured, the present invention canbe used with keys of a variety of shapes and sizes and will thus confersome consistency to the traditional bunch of keys.

The present invention also provides a ready way by which promotionalmaterial can be displayed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description which is given by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; wherein FIG. 1A shows a side view of both the receivingportion and the lid of a key holding body and FIG. 1B shows the portionsof the key holding body joined together; FIG. 2 shows a plan view of akey holding body according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and FIG. 3 shows an adapter according to one aspect of thepresent invention; and FIG. 4 shows a mounting rack according to oneaspect of the present invention; and FIG. 5 Illustrates the receivingportion of a key holding body receiving a key head according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows anillustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention attachedto other preferred embodiments of the present invention as a set ofkeys, and FIGS. 7 show illustrations of a less preferred embodiment ofthe present and 7A invention integrally formed with a key, and FIGS.show embodiments of the present invention comprising an 8A, 8B aperturethrough the joining means of the key holding bodies, and 8C and FIG. 9shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of thepresent invention where the attachment device has a special shape anddesign.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown a side view of a preferredembodiment of the present invention, wherein the key holding bodycomprises a receiving portion 2 and a lid 3.

The receiving portion 2 fits to the lid 3.

The receiving portion 2 has a receiving recess 4 adapted to receive forexample a key head.

Other objects may be received by the receiving portion 2, depending onits configuration within the scope of the present invention.

A male member 5 of a snap lock couple is formed on one side of thereceiving portion 2, and will protrude through the hole 7 of the lidonce the lid 3 is snapped into place.

A female recess 6 of the snap lock couple is formed on the opposite sideof the receiving portion 2 to the male member 5.

The female recess 6 is adapted to receive the male member 5 of a likedevice.

An aperture 8 is provided at the end of the assembled apparatus as shownin FIG. 1B, for the coded portion of the key or the key shaft toprotrude therefrom.

The present invention is designed so that a number of like devices canbe removeably attached together using the mating couple, to allow aplurality of keys to be stored conveniently.

With reference to FIG. 2 there is shown a plan view of the receivingportion 2 and the lid 3 of a key holding body.

The receiving recess 4 may include at 9, an attachment means such as adie cast adhesive foam, to assist in securing the key head in thereceiving portion.

A thumb gap 10 is provided to permit easy access to the particulardevice containing the desired key, and also to aid in the separation ofthe receiving portion 2 and the lid 3.

With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a further aspect of the presentinvention in the form of an adapter. The adapter is designed to allowattachment of keys that do not fit into the receiving portion of the keyholding body.

The adapter 30 is effectively a loop 31 that includes ends 32 and 33that collectively perform the equivalent of the male member 5 in FIG. 1and FIG. 2. The ends 32 and 33 may be separated, to allow fitmentthrough a hole in the key head. The key head is then secured and maymove about the loop 31. The male member 34 may then be attached to adevice as shown in FIG. 1 or 2, or 4.

With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a mounting rack 40 configuredto allow convenient storage of the devices shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

The mounting rack 40 includes a face 41 with brackets 42 for the fitmentto a wall or the like.

Openings 43 are provided that are adapted to receive the male member 5,or 34, of the devices shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The male member 5 or 34may fit into the wider part of the openings 43 and then slot into thenarrow part securing the devices in place.

With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a receiving portion 2 asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, which has in the receiving recess 4 a keyhead 50 with the coded portion or shaft 51 of the key 50 protrudingthrough the aperture 8.

With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown a plurality of preferredembodiments according to those shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 that have beencoupled together using the snap lock couples, with the coded section orshafts 51 of the keys protruding therefrom. The key 60 that has beenswivelled downwards illustrates how the present invention may be used toeasily store and access a bunch of keys. The key 60 is singled out fromthe rest of the bunch of keys, and can then be used conveniently andeasily.

A further like device could be attached to the female recess 6,increasing the size of the bunch of keys 51.

With reference to FIG. 7, there is shown a side view of a further aspectof the present invention shown by general arrow 70.

The receiver 71, which includes male member 72 and female recess 73formed therein, is integrally formed around the head 74 of the key 75.The female recess 73 is located in this embodiment, through the centreof the key 75.

In this fashion, keys may be manufactured with the present inventionpre-moulded around them enabling like keys to be fitted together in abunch according to the present invention, with the aforementionedadvantages.

This is an alternative embodiment of the present invention whereby aconsumer does not need to purchase an after market product to enjoy thebenefits of the present invention, as the present invention was alreadypre-moulded about the object, a key head in this example.

FIG. 7A shows a plurality of keys shown in FIG. 7 joined together in abunch in accordance with the present invention. The adapter 30 shown inFIG. 3 is shown attached to the right most key of the bunch.

With reference to FIG. 8 there is shown further embodiments of thepresent invention, whereby a second aperture is formed through thejoining means.

This will allow multiple devices according to the present invention tobe secured with a conventional key ring or chain.

FIG. 8A shows a representation 81 of the embodiment represented in FIG.1 previous, but with the addition of the second aperture 82 through thejoining means.

FIG. 8B shows a representation 83 of the embodiment in FIG. 7A previouswhich is a plurality 83 of the embodiment 85 in 8C connected togetherforming a continuous second aperture 84 through the adjacent joiningmeans. FIG. 8C shows a single element as previously represented in FIG.7, but having the second aperture 86 formed through the joining means.

The second apertures may be used to place a key chain, string, rope orsome other securing length there through to secure the bunch.

With reference to FIG. 9 there is shown a further embodiment of thepresent invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is largely the same asthat shown in FIG. 1.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 shows two identical halves 90 and 91 forming alid and a receiving portion. The halves 90 and 91 are joined by a hinge92 which forms a gap 93 there between. When the halves 91 and 92 arefolded and closed against one another, the gap 93 is adapted to fit thecoded portion or shaft of a key there through. The receiving portions 94of the halves 90 and 91 are adapted to receive the head of the key.

A joining means having a female part 95 adapted to receive a male part96 are on either half 90 and 91. They are configured so the male partwill mate with the female part of a like device.

A snap lock arrangement shown by protrusions 97 that fit and snap lockinto recesses 98 may be provided to retain the receiving portion and lidagainst one another.

In some embodiments however the point where the male part 95 and femalepart 96 join may be a simple aperture instead.

With reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a further embodiment orpossible use of the present invention.

The outline of the present invention may be configured so that it is inthe shape of a cartoon character. The embodiment of FIG. 10 shows theinvention 100 closed up with a key inside and a key shaft 101 protrudingtherefrom.

The outline of the present invention could be configured to conform toother shapes as desired.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

1. An attachment device for keys having a key head rigidly andcoplanarly connected to a key shaft, comprising: a key holding bodyadapted to receive and hold the head of a key so that the head of thekey is substantially covered by the key holding body and the key shaftprotrudes from the key holding body; and a joining means adapted toallow interconnection of two or more key holding bodies, wherein thejoining means is provided on the key holding body distal from both thekey shaft and the key head when in use and comprises a complementary lugand recess arrangement such that at least two key holding bodies can bepivotally and reversibly joined together by a push fit arrangement ofthe lug from a first key holding body being push fit into the recess ofa second key holding body, so that in use the second key holding bodycan be pivoted at least 90 degrees away from the direction of the firstkey shaft extending from the first key holding body to allow thatportion of the first key holding body surrounding the first key head tobe gripped to allow the key to be turned.
 2. The attachment device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the key holding body comprises a receivingportion and a lid.
 3. The attachment device as claimed in claim 2,wherein the receiving portion attaches to the lid by snap fitarrangement.
 4. The attachment device as claimed in claim 2, wherein,the receiving portion and the lid are separate and can be clamped overthe top of the key head, and a portion of the attachment device isintegral with the receiving portion and another portion of theattachment device is integral with the lid.
 5. The attachment device asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the receiving portion and the lid arehingedly attached.
 6. The attachment device as claimed in claim 1wherein the key holding body is shaped in order to enable the attachmentdevice to act as a promotional vehicle.
 7. The attachment device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the key holding body is shaped as a cartooncharacter.
 8. The attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein thekey holding body includes a surface for receiving print.
 9. Theattachment device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the key holding bodycomprises an aperture within or adjacent to the hinged area, throughwhich aperture the shaft of the key can pass so as to protrude from thekey holding body.
 10. The attachment device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the joining means is formed integrally with the key holding bodyas single pieces of the same material.
 11. The attachment device asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the joining means comprises a male memberintegrally formed on one of the receiving portion and lid, and a matingfemale member integrally formed on the other of the receiving portionand lid.
 12. The attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein atleast one of the internal surfaces of the key holding body comprises anadhesive.
 13. The attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein theattachment device further includes an adapter designed to allow theattachment device to be attached to objects not equipped withcomplementary joining means.
 14. The attachment device as claimed inclaim 1, further including a mounting rack for storing the keys andassociated attachment devices.
 15. A combination of a key and anattachment device, comprising: a key with a head and a shaft, the headbeing rigidly and coplanarly attached to the shaft; and an attachmentdevice comprising a key holding body adapted to receive and hold thehead of a key so that the head of the key is substantially covered bythe key holding body and the key shaft protrudes from the key holdingbody, a joining means adapted to allow interconnection of two or morekey holding bodies, wherein, the joining means is provided on the keyholding body distal from both the key shaft and the key head when in useand comprises a complementary lug and recess arrangement such that atleast two key holding bodies can be pivotally and reversibly joinedtogether by a push fit arrangement of the lug from a first key holdingbody being push fit into the recess of a second key holding body, sothat in use the second key holding body can be pivoted at least 90degrees away from the direction of the first key shaft extending fromthe first key holding body to allow that portion of the first keyholding body surrounding the first key head to be gripped to allow thekey to be turned, and the key head is secured within the key holdingbody.